By Julia Meehan
Photo Editor
Open mics, love songs and passionate student musicians made for a heartwarming CUB Alt Coffeehouse on Friday, Feb.14 in the Traditions Lounge. The Valentine’s Day chapter of the open-mic series centered around romantic ballads and featured several student musicians, who poured their hearts into their performances.
The energy in the room was laid back and casual, as audience members sipped coffee and snacked on sweet treats. The seating in the lounge also honored the holiday, as couches were set up in a heart pattern in the room.
“I’m pretty nervous but eager to perform and express myself,” said Julia Baldacchino, a sophomore nursing major who was a newcomer to the Coffeehouse stage. “I’m trying to get used to performing.”
Despite her nerves, Baldacchino delivered an impassioned cover of “One Year of Love” by Queen. Her voice soared over the backing track beautifully throughout her performance and she was proud to overcome her nerves and step out of her comfort zone.
Next to take the stage was Christian Simpson, a junior mechanical engineering major. He played the keyboard as he sang a series of love-themed covers, including a rendition of “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra, which had the audience swaying along.
Later in Simpson’s set, he was joined by Victoria Maslov, a junior biology major, for a few duets. A crowd favorite was their cover of “I See The Light” from the Disney movie “Tangled.”
“Everyone wants to feel like a Disney princess on Valentine’s day, so we’re bringing a little Disney in,” Maslov said.
Their cover was so ear-catching that it even garnered a small crowd of passerby from inside the Brower Student Center, who pressed up against the glass wall of the lounge to listen in.
The end of their setlist marked the end of the event, which was once again an impressive showcase of student talent.
“I loved the high quality of musicianship,” said Sayon Park, a sophomore special education and art dual major. “I would definitely come again.”
She also remarked on the special holiday theme, saying, “The Valentine’s day theme was cute. It would be cool to try different themes in the future.”
